Self Sufficiency - Towards a Frugal and Simple Lifestyle

How can we ensure an ecologically sustainable future. Most of our current activities are non-sustainable such as erosion of the soils for which we depend for food, dumping of toxic wastes into the soil, seas and atmosphere, climatic changes through the gradual heating up of our planet, the destruction of the earth's natural cooling system by cutting down rain forests or the depletion of non-renewable resources at an ever increasing rate.

The problems are very broad and the response by the growing environmental movement are similarly broad. Some get involved in single issues, some in green politics and some in practical individual steps to reduce their carbon and environmental footprints.

However, you approach the problem what is undeniable is that our economic system based on consumerism and materialism is not sustainable because there are limits to growth. Our economies are largely focused on profit and ignore the damage caused to our planet by this endless goal for greater economic growth and profit. More and more people are realising this fact and are choosing simpler more frugal lifestyles. .

Although it is open to us all to get involved in campaigns or groups, at an individual level we can all make lifestyle choices which have less impact on our environment. By living frugally, simply and by providing for much of our own needs through self sufficiency we can all reduce our ecological and carbon footprints.

Small steps by many individuals can lead to larger changes.

We can all grow some of our own food and preserve it. Go organic or support local organic growers and or small enterprises. Cook more and reduce or not use fast food. Make our own jams, wine, bake or make many other everyday products. Keep a few chickens, forage or fish.

We can all reduce energy consumption and save energy. Support or install renewable energy. Use all available methods for home insulation.

We can all become conscious consumers by reviewing our buying habits, swap and barter. Support sustainable products from wood to paints or reject over packaged products. Repair, recycle or re-use. Learn new skills and make your own from soap and cleaning products to home remedies and solar dryers.

Walk more, cycle, use public transport and reduce our dependence on the car.

Use the following links and make a step forward towards a simpler, more frugal and self sufficient lifestyle.